Erik ten Hag could replace Man United starter despite new contract talks

Erik ten Hag could look to replace David de Gea in the summer despite his contract renewal talks with Manchester United.

The United manager has impressed during his Old Trafford tenure so far but will be set to add new profiles to his squad in the summer in the next stage of his rebuild.

Last summer saw the Reds strengthen multiple positions through the acquisitions of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Antony. Loan signings of Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer were further added in January, however, Ten Hag has admitted that he has not made the decision whether to attempt to keep either player at the club on a full contract.

David de Gea recently broke the clean sheet record at the club during United’s victory in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

For the most part, the Spaniard’s shot-stopping has impressed across the season so far. He’s also attempted to improve at his ball-playing from the back but there are still issues that occur from this.

United’s build-up play against high-pressing opposition is often limited and they opt to go long more than Ten Hag would ideally like. De Gea’s limitations are arguably one of the biggest reasons for this.

A new report from Rob Dawson of the ESPN has revealed that despite the fact United are looking to renegotiate a new contract with De Gea on reduced wages, Ten Hag believes that a goalkeeper more comfortable with the ball will help his team better control games.

The United no.1 is the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world and if he signs a new contract with the club, it will be on reduced wages. His deal runs out at the end of the season.

Dawson’s report added that the shot-stopper has impressed the manager so far this season. But the position is one of four that Ten Hag is looking to add in the next stage of United’s rebuild.